Badgers in the NFL Update
November 29, 2006 | Football
Below is UWBADGERS.COM's weekly look at how some former Badgers fared in their NFL games. For a complete list of former UW players in the NFL, please click the "Badgers in the NFL" link on the right-hand side of the main football page.
Bennett Makes Most of Opportunities
Playing behind workhorse Larry Johnson, Kansas City running back Michael Bennett has been presented with limited opportunities this season. Johnson currently leads the NFL with 282 rushing attempts, 34 more than the next closest back.
The Chiefs 19-10 Thanksgiving Day victory over Denver was just another example of this as Johnson rushed 34 times for 157 yards. But when Johnson did need a rest, Bennett proved more than capable of filling Johnson's large shoes. Though he was only handed the ball twice in the win, Bennett racked up 56 yards, including a 41-yard sprint late in the fourth quarter to help seal the game for the Chiefs.
While the 6-1, 230-pound Johnson is known throughout the league for his powerful running style, Bennett's speed is what sets him apart.
'He's a very explosive player,' Kansas City head coach Herm Edwards told kcchiefs.com. 'Once he gets to the second level he can really run. '
The six-year veteran was traded to the Chiefs in the offseason for an undisclosed draft choice in 2007. For the season, Bennett has 170 yards on 25 carriers despite missing three games with a hamstring injury.
Buenning's Season Likely Finished
Tampa Bay offensive lineman Dan Buenning likely played his last game of the season in a 38-10 loss on Thanksgiving Day in Dallas. Buenning was carted off the field midway through the fourth quarter after suffering a torn ACL.
"This is a rough one," Buenning told the Tampa Tribune following the game. "[Injuries] are starting to creep up on me. I had been lucky pretty much so far in my short career that I haven't had anything like that. Now they're just kind of piling up."
Earlier this season, the second-yard starter at left guard missed four games with a severe ankle injury.
Selected in the fourth round (107th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft, Buenning would go on to start all 16 games for the Buccaneers and was named to NFL.com's All-Rookie Team.
Evans Continues Career Season
With his team-leading five catch, 58-yard performance in a 27-24 win over Jacksonville, Buffalo wide receiver Lee Evans continued to establish himself as one of the AFC's top receivers.
Bolstered by his 11 catch, 265-yard performance last week against Houston, Evans now ranks fourth in the AFC in receiving yards (880), sixth in receptions (60), 10th in yards-per reception, and 12th in touchdowns (4).
Weekly Roundup
Miami wide receiver Chris Chambers had two catches for 23 yards in a 27-10 win Detroit on Thanksgiving Day ' Detroit cornerback Jamar Fletcher had five tackles in the Lions' loss to Miami' Fletcher's teammate, linebacker Alex Lewis, also had three tackles in the loss ' Jacksonville cornerback Scott Starks had five tackles in the Jaguars' 27-24 loss at Buffalo ' Greisen 's teammate, linebacker Nick Greisen, forced a had three tackles in that game ' Houston tight end Owen Daniels had five catches for 34 yards in the Texans ' 26-11 loss to the New York Jets
